Rachel is a Vice President in the Risk & Performance Management Department. As part of the Operational Risk & Monitoring team in the Singapore office, she partners internal stakeholders in reviewing and designing their processes to help strengthen GIC’s control environment when there are operational risk events.
Outside of work, she hits the gym frequently to lead a healthier lifestyle. She believes in taking care of herself both physically and mentally and enjoys spending time with her loved ones.
Why did you decide to join GIC?
Before joining GIC, I did not know much about the organisation beyond its name and thought it only had a presence in Singapore. Having worked in operational risk roles for various firms in the past, I had always supported only back-office functions and a few products. However, I was eager to expand my job scope and support front-mid-back functions, which would present more diverse projects and issues. When the opportunity arose to join GIC in such a role, I did not hesitate to jump at it.
As I delved deeper into my onboarding and training programmes in GIC, I gained a wealth of knowledge about GIC’s investment strategies, global operations, and overall structure. It was eye-opening to discover just how far-reaching GIC’s network is, with offices dotted all over the world. I was excited to be able to collaborate with stakeholders across these various locations.
What does your typical workday look like?
Every day is a new adventure! There is no such thing as a typical day in my role. What I do on any given day really depends on the operational risk issues that have been brought to my attention and the projects I am currently involved in. One of my projects involved a deep dive into the processes required for initial public offerings, where I mapped out the roles and responsibilities of various teams involved in the processes. I worked closely with the relevant teams to get a better understanding. This project provided clarity for everyone involved in these processes.
I also attend various forums where business management offices share upcoming changes to their strategies. As part of the Operational Risk & Monitoring team, it is crucial for me to be in the loop and keep abreast of any changes. This helps me and my team to work closely with stakeholders to design robust processes and controls that can tackle any potential blind spots. While some may have the misconception that the Operational Risk & Monitoring team is the go-to team to report any errors, we are more than that—we are a strategic partner who can discuss and provide valuable insights.
When it comes to lunchtime, it is the perfect opportunity to build stronger relationships with stakeholders and colleagues. Whether it is lunching with people I work with or my team members, it is always a useful way to network and bond.
What do you like most about working here?
What I love most about this job is the supportive and collaborative culture that surrounds me. My team and managers are always there to support me through thick and thin, which has made all the difference in my work life.
GIC’s diverse and inclusive culture has also been a huge plus for me. Coming from Thailand, I found it extremely easy to adapt and settle into the company and my team. I have always felt respected and included while working here, which is consistent with GIC’s PRIME values—Prudence, Respect, Integrity, Merit, and Excellence. This has created a sense of belonging in me and I hope to continue to grow with the company and my team.
How would you describe the learning & development culture at GIC?
The learning curve has been nothing short of steep! Every single day is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it is from my team members or the stakeholders I interact with. One of the most exciting learning opportunities I had was completing an attachment with the Regulatory Reporting & Investment Compliance team in another department. This gave me a chance to really dive deep into their processes and understand the rationale behind each one. As a result, I have become a better business partner and better understand how to contribute from an operational risk management perspective. The attachment was an amazing experience that I will always be grateful for!
What you should know before joining GIC
Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions! During your interview or coffee chats, make sure you are clear on the job scope and responsibilities. Asking questions is the best way to get a sense of whether the job is the right fit for you.
Once you have landed the role in GIC, I encourage you to interact with as many stakeholders and team members as possible. Learning from each other is the best way to grow and develop in your role.